Blood Pressure is the force of blood against the arteries as it flows through them. Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers.
Systolic: the highest pressure against the arteries as the heart pumps. The normal systolic pressure is usually between 110 and 130 mmHg.
Diastolic: the pressure against the arteries as the heart relaxes and fills with blood. The normal diastolic pressure is usually between 70 and 80 mmHg
Hypertension: blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, which usually produces no symptoms, and is also known as “the silent killer”. This means that most people do not even realize that they have the disease. It is especially dangerous for people with diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney disease. That is why its encouraged to get your blood pressure checked regularly.
Risk factors for developing high blood pressure:
· Family history of high blood pressure
· Overweight
· Age
· Stress
· Excessive salt consumption
· Physical inactivity
· Smoking
· Other disease such as diabetes and kidney disease
When high blood pressure is not discovered and treated, it can cause:
· An enlarged heart
· Small bulges to form in blood vessels
· Kidney failure
· Heart attacks
· Stroke
· Blindness
There are many sign of high blood pressure, stress, headaches, Those who's diets are high in salt, caffeine and alcoholic beverages. Most people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms at all. This is an important reason to have your blood pressure checked regularly.